Greenwich Honors Selfless Students

Community Service Awards recognize contributions local and global

Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. William McKersie told the crowd at Western Middle School that the United States leads the world in community service.

"This Nation has been built, and remains strong by volunteering and giving, people giving back," said McKersie.

And Greenwich students were awarded for giving back to their community,

"I run the recycling program at GHS, I volunteer at the Audubon Center, and the Greenwich Land Trust," said Daryl Kennedy.

the nation,

"My best friend growing up was diagnosed with autism, and he had the opportunity to get an assistance dog in 4th grade. I raised money for that, then every year since I've raised money for a different charity. We've raised money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Special Olympics, and Make a Wish," said Brett Hartley.

and the world. Stephen Song took a gap year in-between 10th and 11th grade to take a service trip to South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Israel, and Jamaica. It was during that trip that he met the children of the Lily of the Valley Orphanage.

"The kids were all so great. We made lasting friendships, I still keep in touch with them," said Stephen Song.

But he does more than keep in touch with the children. He has secured $50,000 in federal grants over the past three years.

"It was an organization called Global Children's Foundation. I'm trying o get funded for sustainable food," said Song.

The students say the community service they already completed will follow them to college.

"I'll be going to the University of Richmond and will hopefully continue service there," said Hartley.

"I will be going to university for sustainable development in Scotland," said Kennedy.

"People should be super proud about Greenwich Public Schools. We have the intellectual capital and we have the service capital," said McKersie.